Possums

Possums have a significant impact on many of the Waikato region’s natural ecosystems. They prey on the eggs and chicks of various threatened and culturally valued birds, including  kōkako, and compete for nest sites with hole-nesting birds, like saddlebacks and native parrots like kākā. They also compete directly with native birds and reptiles for food by eating the same buds, flowers, fruit/berries and nectar. Possums also eat invertebrates including wētā and are a significant predator of our native land snails.

Heavy selective browsing by possums can suppress or eliminate preferred plants. This can alter the vegetation composition in invaded ecosystems, ultimately leading to the collapse of palatable canopy species like kāmahi, pōhutukawa or northern rātā. Possums are also considered serious agricultural pests. They are vectors for bovine TB in cattle and compete directly with stock for pasture. They also have the potential to transmit diseases to humans.

To check for possums, look out for the distinctive signs of possum browse. Possums usually feed on foliage by holding branches in their paws, using their teeth to tear the leaves. They usually leave behind the leaf stalk, base and midrib and some tattered leaf remnants. Look out for discarded and partially eaten leaves, flowers and fruit beneath feed trees. Heavy and persistent possum browsing will kill a tree.

Other signs of possums to look out for include:

• ‘runs’ (tracks) used nightly by possums to travel to and from feeding areas (very distinctive in grassed areas)
• claw marks on trees, fence posts and gates
• bark biting (horizontal bites) on trees
• possum droppings scattered under food trees and in the forks of trees
• droppings approximately 2.5cm long and slightly thicker than a pencil.

Repellents, tree guards and fence barriers

• There are a number of repellents designed to deter possums and other browsing animals from damaging young trees, however, they do not provide total protection. Repellents are not practicable for tuberculosis (TB) control or protecting native forests.
• Tree guards are physical barriers used to keep possums from damaging young trees and seedlings. Sheet metal strips or bands (40 to 45cm wide) effectively stop possums from climbing a tree.

Habitat manipulation

Reduce suitable possum habitat by removing piles of logs, dead trees and stumps. Where possible, block off entry into sheds, roofs and buildings.

Under the council’s Regional Pest Management Plan, it is illegal to keep a possum as a pet.

There are a range of control tools available for possums, including trapping, shooting and poisoning.

Predator Free New Zealand and Bionet have best practice advice on their websites for landowners and community groups on how to undertake possum control.

You can also speak to one of our animal pest staff for advice and information on controlling possums on freephone 0800 800 401.